Power Rangers has revealed several new tidbits of information about their upcoming reboot film. The movie has announced a new major cast addition and a teaser poster.
Bryan Cranston will play Zordon, the Power Rangers’ mentor. The actor revealed the news on twitter, as did the movie’s official twitter.
Excited to play #Zordon in the #PowerRangersMovie! T or F: #BlueRanger Billy Cranston was named after what actor? https://t.co/d3ltjpcDKb
— Bryan Cranston (@BryanCranston) June 21, 2016
The casting is actually very personal for Cranston. When he was beginning as an actor, he did voice over work for Saban Entertainment, including characters for the original Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers. The Blue Ranger, Billy, gets his surname in honor of Cranston, which he mentions in his announcement tweet. Billy will be played by Me and Earl and The Dying Girl actor RJ Cyler in the reboot.
The mighty #Zordon has officially been cast! Please welcome #BryanCranston to the #PowerRangersMovie. pic.twitter.com/MbJDR7PnfI
— Power Rangers (@ThePowerRangers) June 21, 2016
In the original show, Zordon recruited the rangers and gave them their powers by giving them morphers that gave them access to the morphing grid. With the previous news that the rangers’ suits will now be portrayed as “extraterrestrial armor that crystallizes over their bodies”, it is unknown how Zordon will factor into the story.
In addition to Cranston’s casting, the studio also revealed a new teaser poster for the film. The poster shows silhouettes of the five teens on top of a car with the tagline ‘Together we are more’. The poster has a minimalist approach that appears to highlight the human element of the story opposed to the fantastical science-fiction elements.
Saban Entertainment is producing the film alongside Lionsgate. Lionsgate has high hopes for the new Power Rangers. CEO Jon Feltheimer reportedly has spoken of plans for a franchise that could include up to seven films.
Saban produced the original Power Rangers television series before selling the rights to Disney in 2003. Saban purchased the show back from Disney after they cancelled the show in 2010. Saban began producing the show for Nickelodeon, which is currently airing its 23rd season, Power Rangers Super Dino Charge.
In addition to Cranston, Power Rangers will star Elizabeth Banks as villain Rita Repulsa. The Power Rangers will be played by Dacre Montgomery, RJ Cyler, Becky G, Ludi Lin and Naomi Scott. Power Rangers is set for release on March 24, 2017.
